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How fast should a 1987 Malibu Skier run?


Skywagon90

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At what altitude?

Typically the old boats like yours and mine will have that 100:1 RPM:MPH ratio with a 13x13 cast prop and should run well over 40 around sea level. For whatever reason (carb tune, maintenance issues, fuel flow, mech. timing advance, etc.) some run 43-44 and some run 46-47. I wouldn't expect to hit 50 on the old Merc 265 in stock form.

Edited by jk13
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Not an easy question to answer as we know nothing about how fresh the engine is. For example I have a 94 Centurion with the Merc (I thought 275). when new it would run 41 at about 5000 ft Now it will run 37. The RPMs on your is a little low but I have never really been able to turn more than about 4100 and still be a skiable boat. I have a prop that will turn higher RPMs but the boat performs much worse in all aspects Skiers were always a couple miles per hour faster than mine when they were new so If you are at altitude 38 seems reasonable. If you are at sea level not so much as I run about 39 at Lake Powell which is at 3600 ft. I would guess I would be just a bit over 40 at sea level.

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Our '85 Skier tops out at about 40-41 with only a driver. I'll have to check the prop. The upward pull from the hylon helps a lot too.

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mines 42mph @4400 rpm with the speed prop.

38 mph with power prop.

both are 3 blade props (old ones)

Merc 265 hp

I read that old ski boats have a "hook" in the hull that limits their top speed but improves the wake.

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